Ramadan Sobhi extra-time strike lifts African U-23 Nations Cup title for Egypt against Ivory Coast
Coming into the final both teams cleared difficult semifinal games as Ivory Coast beat Ghana in a dramatic show last Tuesday before Egypt thumbed South Africa 3-0 to reach today’s final.
Egypt welcomed Ivory Coast to the final of the Africa U-23 Nations Cup at Cairo International Stadium, Karim El-Eraqi put the hosts ahead on the 38’ after a close contest between the two sides inside the first 37’ minutes. Ramadan Sobhi cut in from the left flank before crossing low for Karim El-Eraqi to connect from inside the box.
Egypt were gradually running away with a 1-0 victory but Ivory Coast’s last 10 minutes display to the end of the game suddenly scuff off Egypt’s lead as Aboubacar Doumbia stole a moment from Egypt defense to side-foot a one-time hit into the net following a nicely worked free kick from the right edge.
The Young Elephants continued the extra-time from where they left in the second 45′ minutes, piling pressure on the Egypt but the home side defense stood against the test of Ivory Coast attack to avoid conceding a second goal.
Ramadan Sobhi restored Egypt’s lead in the second half of extra-time, he scored a precious goal with six minutes remaining, drilling a low shot into an empty net after a low shot from substitute Rayyan was pushed by Ivory Cost keeper into Sobhi’s path.
Egypt become the third winners of the Africa U-23 Nations Cup after Gabon in 2011 and Nigeria in 2017. Egypt recorded eleven goals and conceded 4 in 5 games.
